I turned 19 years old early last month, I started betting when I started work which was 16. Every wage slip Ive ever had as ended up been spilled all on betting. I dont have anything to show for my work at all, my life went down hill, I left my joinery apprenticeship because I lost interest and didnt have any money left for transport so I had to make excuses just like I have for over the last 2 years. I then began to lose interest in everything I liked from sports to hobbies etc. The addiction got that bad that I sold all my belongings such as phone, computer just to feed the problem. I need to clarify sports betting has never been an issue for me, more so live casino and roulette. I have been in the same circle so many times I cant count, where I would lose all my money and tell my self I wouldn't make the mistake again. However I continued to do so. It took up until the other day when it finally broke me down inside. I have now banned all my accounts and told my close friends and family about my addiction. I was so down and contemplated my part in life. Overall I have lost close to 14k, which is why I had to just look at the positives and not be so down about it. I had to remember that there are people in worse positions than myself. I still have plenty of time to change my life around. The only thing which frustrates me is that my mother is in 6k debt and all the money I have stupidly wasted could of gone to her and helped her massively. From this day on I told myself I refuse to play the devils game of roulette again and vow to get my life back on track, find my interests and hobbies, treat my self to new clothes etc so I have something to show for my graft and use my money to help my family and friends who really need it and not to make the rich richer.
Well done CVJ for telling family & friends, also for coming on here it must be a weight off your shoulders? It sounds like you’ll have a lot of support.
If you bet online I strongly recommend getting gamban. It can be put on a couple of devices and if you go on live chat and ask a admin on here they will give you a link to get it for free, it’s normally £9.99 a year. You literally can’t get on anything gambling related.
Have you thought about giving up your cash and bank cards, no access to cash is vital in the early days.
If you stop gambling now at a young age you will have a good life, I’ve been gambling for 10 years now I’m 30. Stick with it ask for support and all the best, take one day at a time mate.
Yes, its definitely weight off my shoulders, everyone I have told has been so supportive towards me. I no longer have to lie and make excuses and cover up my problem. The gamban is something I will very much consider. I haven't really thought about giving up cards, or cash as I currently don't have a single penny to my name anymore, Im waiting on news for some construction work so I wont have any money for at least 3/4 week which is a nice little amount of time to really reset my mind and really consider my values & needs in life.
Hello CVJ,
You might also consider registering with GamStop.
0800 138 6518 is the freephone for GamStop, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, they're available 8am to midnight, 7 days a week.
Please feel welcome to call us on freephone 0808 8020 133 for free therapy services near your area, if you'd like a weekly session to help you maintain your momentum.
Take care,
Forum admin.
I was a boy gambler also and carried on for over 40years, leading to bankruptcy, missed opportunities because i was all spent out. Stop now my friend enjoy your life, and get focused on your real dreams and goals. with hard work you can achieve them, just takes time.
stop now while you are young, i wish id found this support years ago.good luck young man, love life , read about all the help and commit to it.
good luck
Mate I would stop this bad habit and wish I was your age, I’m 26 and don’t have much to show in my life, I was on 40k plus since 21, gambled it all away. If you stop once you get to my age you will have a lot of memories with friends e.g holidays or a nice car and approaching to buy your own house which is what I wish I would be doing now. Roulette was a massive burden on me, mostly fobts but glad they’re all £2 stake. I know what it’s like also when you think about your mum being in debt and how you could of helped out. I don’t come from a rich background either and support my family. When I wasn’t gambling I re did the whole house for my parents, be that guy who can provide for his family and spoil them. Don’t waste it on casinos and stuff. When you’re my age you’ll look back and be like yeah I did all this and be proud of yourself!
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